Masiphumelele High School's Digital Divas, led by teacher Nkululeko Ndziba, in the JSE challenge's ETF/ETN category. (Photo: Supplied) 
The May leg of the 2025 Johannesburg Stock Exchange Investment Challenge once again showcased the brightest young investment minds in South Africa.
From Mpumalanga to the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, a diverse group of learners and university students proved that passion, perseverance, and savvy can lead to financial success, even with limited resources.
They overcame challenges including limited internet access and ventured beyond traditional business studies, demonstrating that their passion and perseverance can translate into tangible financial growth and knowledge.
Read more: Market masters: JSE Investment Challenge sees record participation as Eden College and UWC excel
Rising above challenges
BBM The Shining Stars from Mpumelelo Secondary School achieved first place in the income portfolio category, growing their investment by R6,855.91. The team leader, Ntombifuthi Mtsweni, noted: “Our team was inspired to participate in the JSE competition to learn more about investing and financial markets.”
Overcoming challenges such as limited data, poor network connectivity, and even some WhatsApp group exclusions, the team demonstrated remarkable grit. Their win highlights their determination and eagerness for growth.
The team intends to use this victory as a springboard to enhance their financial knowledge, network with industry experts, and encourage others to delve into the world of investing.
From curiosity to confidence
Masiphumelele High School’s FSD — The Digital Divas posted an impressive 6.52% growth in the ETF/ETN category — remarkable given that none of the team initially had any background in shares or trading.
“We knew nothing about shares and trading until Mr Ndziba came in and presented the JSE school challenge to us… We were curious,” said Zimi Matanzima.
Their teacher, Nkululeko Ndziba, has been a tireless advocate, encouraging 18 teams from all academic streams to participate.
“My strategy was to get as many teams as possible participating in the challenge… I’m super proud of them,” he said.
One of the team members, Ethanda Seti, told Daily Maverick that she planned to use her newfound knowledge to invest personally and educate others in her community about share ownership.
Read more: Young South Africans school the market — JSE Investment Challenge April winners announced
Hands-on hustle
In the university category, the University of Zululand’s RB — Black team achieved a solid 4.8% growth in the ETF/ETN portfolio. Team members Sthembiso Maseko and Wongeka Mbongwa joined the challenge to gain practical experience in investing and portfolio management.
“I joined the Challenge to gain hands-on experience in investing and portfolio management," Maseko explained. “I wanted to understand how the South African markets work and develop a strategy that could actually perform.”
That strategy, it turns out, was rooted in discipline and insight. RB-Black leaned into both technical and fundamental analysis, learning to read market signals and evaluate company performance with precision. But it was not just numbers that led them to victory, it was teamwork.
“Working together taught me how to communicate effectively and solve problems collaboratively,” Maseko reflected, noting that the pair learned to respect different viewpoints and make decisions that balanced risk with opportunity.
Beyond technical know-how, the challenge enhanced their communication and problem-solving skills, proving that teamwork and diverse perspectives are as valuable as any stock tip.
May’s portfolio winners:
Schools
- The Fixers of Lethukuthula Secondary School in Gauteng won the equity portfolio category, with 11.76% growth.
- KHL — Dividend Dynamos of Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Gauteng won the speculator portfolio category, with 12.86% growth.
- FSD – The Digital Divas of Masiphumelele High School in the Western Cape won the ETF/ETN portfolio category, with 6.52% growth.
- BBM The Shining Stars of Mpumelelo Secondary School in Mpumalanga won the income portfolio category, with R6,855.91 growth.
Universities
- ABS5 — Pierpoint & Ho of the University of Cape Town won the university speculator portfolio category, with 20.61% growth.
- RB — Black of the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal won the university ETF/ETN portfolio category, with 4.8% growth.
Inspiration for the next round
The May winners demonstrate that dedication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn can overcome even the toughest challenges, even unfamiliarity with financial markets — showing that this remains a vital platform for nurturing South Africa’s future finance leaders.
Whether you’re a high school learner or university student, it’s not too late to register and test your investment savvy. Who knows? The next champion might just be you. The May winners exemplify how dedication, teamwork, and a thirst for knowledge can conquer significant hurdles, including limited internet access and unfamiliarity with financial markets.
The JSE Investment Challenge continues to be an essential platform for cultivating South Africa’s future finance leaders. Regardless of whether you’re a high school student or a university student, there’s still time to register and put your investment skills to the test. You could be the next champion.
Registrations are open until September at schools.jse.co.za for schools and university.jse.co.za for universities. DM